Take a trip back in time and learn about the first battles for American independence this summer by touring Lexington and Concord — the two Massachusetts towns where the Revolutionary War began.
The suburban Boston communities offer an array of fun activities and outings for visitors from across America, linking them to two pivotal moments in our history.
The American Revolution began on April 19, 1775, with the patriots clashing with the British redcoats in Lexington and Concord. Paul Revere went on his famous midnight ride, calling the minutemen to arms to alert them that “the British are coming,” a battlecry that helped advance America’s battle for independence.
You can retrace the steps of that fateful night during a 90-minute tour on the historical society’s Liberty Ride Guided Trolley Tour of both Lexington and Concord. Returning in mid-July, the trolley tour will take you around points of interest in both towns, accompanied by a guide educating you on the important events in the battles.
Explore the places where the first clashes of the American Revolution occurred by taking a guided, one-hour walking tour of the Lexington Battle Green. You can also visit one of the three historic homes-turned-museums that played important roles in the battle, including the Buckman Tavern, where the minutemen waited for the redcoats to arrive; the Munroe Tavern, commandeered by retreating British soldiers; and the Hancock-Clarke House, where house guests John Hancock and Samuel Adams were staying at the time and awakened by Revere’s famous warning.
More history can be found by exploring nearby Minuteman National Park, where you can take a glimpse at how colonial Americans lived and prepared for battle with the British. You can also take a hike or a bike ride along the 10-mile Minuteman Rail Trail, which runs between Cambridge and Bedford, and explore some of the natural wonders of the area.
Lexington also offers a brand new Visitors Center, located at 1875 Massachusetts Ave. Open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., it’s the ideal place to begin your journey in one of the birthplaces of the American Revolution. The center offers revolutionary history exhibits as well as famed diorama and an expansive gift shop.
The town also features a great center where you can browse at many unique shops and enjoy great meals at many family-friendly restaurants.
For more information or to plan your visit to Lexington, visit tourlexington.us or lexingtonhistory.org.
